I'm searching out the best canned brews to help lighten my pack on outdoor pursuits. I'm partial to IPAs / double IPAs and I've tried my share from 21st Amendment, Oskar Blues, Anderson Valley, Avery, Caldera, Six Point, Sly Fox, TallGrass, ButterNuts, and more. Oskar Blues Gubna had been my canned IPA of choice but recently, I was gifted a four pack of 120 ibus of pure joy from The Alchemist in Waterbury, Vermont. I give you, Heady Topper.

It's not even close. It's like Pliny in a can. Now if only it was more accessible. Now I'm not against macrobrews - they have their time and place for me - but I'd rather carry one of these than three PBRs any day. So if MGD is your go to, I'm down with that. I don't care to get into a craft vs. macro debate here or to rehash the "A-hole" thread (which I thoroughly enjoy). I just wanted to streamline the conversation a little.

So what are your favorites? Anything new coming down the canning pipeline from your local breweries?

My brother and I will be attempting to make a dunkelweizen over thanksgiving so we might be able to try it by the time christmas rolls around. For now, I think my favorite beer would have to be weihenstephaner, which is a hefe but two nights ago (celebrating my 21st!!) I got a Jacques Au Lantern made by Evolution Craft which the best pumpkin beer I've tasted. It smelled exactly like pumpkin pie and tasted pretty darn close too. I'm always searching for new beers to try so I'm sure I will be referencing this thread as a source of some good beer!

Aluminium cans really are superior to glass bottles. Not sure why more brewers don't use them. Bottles let light in. And light is wors for beer than anything. That's why Newcastle stinks in bottles but on draft or in a can it is never skunky.

I've never really thought about canned micro-brews, but it makes sense: if you are going to haul it, you might as well have really good stuff. I'll have to check a couple of our local YuppieMarkets for selection.

I have preferred to take dehydrated Scottish micro-brews for light weight and superior taste, 50ml at a time.

Wow I had no idea how many microbrews used cans. I don't see many around here unfortunately. Magic Hat #9 just started but a little too fruity for me. Yuenling has a black and tan that is pretty good but hard to get. Not micro brews but my backpacking canned standbys are Guiness, Boddingtons, and Murphys(came to the ADKS with me this week).

Fort George Brewery in Astoria, Oregon, has just recently started putting some of their brews in a can. I know their IPA is being "bottled" (canned?), and one other of their beers too. They got a grant to get the machine to do it. Saw it on a brewery tour, looks really cool.

Not sure how good this one is, but my friend was drinking it over the weekend and he seemed to like it....and the can itself is pretty funny.

@Gerry - Just had some magic hat for the first time in a long time over the weekend. My college roommate used to work at the brewery and would come home with a few growlers pretty frequently. Good stuff.

you'd have to come to or ship from AZ, but you need to get ahold of some Four Peaks "Hop Knot" which took bronze at the GABF out of something like 67 competitors.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2171/12896it has been in cans lately and FP is growing, to open a sattelite brewhouse in the next few months. despite the extra canning capacity of the new brewfloor, Hop Knot will likely remain in AZ only since the scarcity of Simcoe hops lately.

another two is Surly brewing and Cigar City; both started canning last week.

"That's quite a lineup Randy. I've heard good things about the Ska brews."

And you should have! Ska makes excellent beers. Modus Hoperandi is currently my favorite IPA. That's actually an old picture I took and was going to post during the start of the A-hole thread. Euphoria is a winter seasonal and very good. And winter will be here soon. I did go grab a Modus to enjoy while typing this.

Oskar Blues Gubna is a great Imperial IPA. And G'Knight is very good as well. It's a Red but is sometimes called a Red Imperial IPA. It's hoppy enough for the title. I went up to RMNP to try to go fishing last weekend (40 MPH winds put an end to that), and had to go up to the main entrance to pick up a permit. Oskar Blues is in Lyons which is on the southeast way to the Park. I stopped in and had a Gubna (10%). The barmaid asked if I wanted another. I said yes as long as I could also get a cab. :)

I think Oskar Blues was the first micro brewery to can. And they don't do any bottling, which is unusual.

Heady Topper being mentioned with Pliny is high praise, indeed. It's not cheap to ship beer but if you want to do an exchange, let me know.

I found a can of Tecate on the bank of Bubbs Creek last September right before the valley starts to close up underneath Forester Pass. I chilled it in the creek and proceeded to have a very enjoyable treat. Thank you trail angels!!!

Good info Dondo. I love Dale's Pale but always thought is could be a little hoppier. It's like they read my mind. And the 16 oz. can makes it only that much more enticing for packing. Looking forward to that one.

Any of you southwesterners ever had a Sante Fe Imperial Java? The only other canned imperial stout I've had is Oskar Blues Ten Fidy.

I had the reverse happen to me last year on my ill-faited trip to Pear Lake in RMNP last October. I had placed a few beers in a snow bank and left one behind when I headed out. I passed a guy near the bottom with a fishing pole in his day pack who was heading for Finch Lake. I let him know that Finch is barren and that he'd have to go to Pear to fish. He was thinking about it when I remembered the lonely soldier I had left behind and I told him there was an ice cold Gordon's (now G'Knight) waiting for him if he went to Pear and where to find it. That cinched it and he said he'd take care of the beer for me. Win/win.

I haven't had the Mexican Logger yet, Te-Wa, but have been meaning to try it. I hear it's good.

Dondo, those cans are all from my local liquor store, Biggies in Conifer. It's in the King Soopers shopping center in Aspen Park. If you're passing by, check it out. Great selection and equally good prices. Speaking of which, check out this thread for a great place to stop for a beer if you're heading up 126 after a LCW trip: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=54536

I envy you westerners for only one thing--well, actually two: You have IPAs in cans and you have lots of mountains. Here in New England, the only canned IPA I have ever seen--and I look!, being an IPA guy, plus I work for the largest beer distributor on the East Coast and get to wander one of the big warehouses occasionally--is Dales, which isn't hoppy enough for my taste. My current favorite bottled brew is Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild--hoppy and sweet and 9.42 alcohol--perfect.

I did a Trans-Sierra Dayhike over the weekend, so I am licking my wounds now. It was about 22.5 miles in the John Muir Wilderness of California.

The leader and his team hiked from Lake Edison to Rock Creek and arrived well after dark on Saturday evening. I believe it took them 13 hours for the difficult direction. Then there were three of us who hiked from Rock Creek to Lake Edison on Sunday, and there was less than one foot of snow at the high pass. We didn't finish until well ever dark in 12.5 hours. Thank heavens for modern headlamps.

I had consumed only 1.5 quarts of liquid during the hike, so I was probably a little dehydrated by the finish. I had lost five pounds of body weight as a result, so I am busy now trying to restore that with a can or three of beer. It's a multipurpose thing, so I can probably build something out of the empty aluminum.

Hehehe-- I would take the reins and get some letters off to Jim Koch. Some companies listen. Sorry to get a rise out of you Sam Adams fans-- too easy :)

This thread did get me inspired to check out a local micro-brew store and by golly, they had 10-12 brands in cans, many of the ones reported here. No Sam Adams--- yet.

I've punked my wife a couple times with beers while hiking. On our first sea kayaking trip, she brought really Spartan hiking food and I had iced beer and canned chili under the back hatch in my boat. She was sitting by the fire munching Sailor crackers and cheese when I started unloading my boat. The look on her face was priceless. I pulled a similar stunt this summer at the end of a long day hike, with a couple cold brews in the trunk and nice deli sandwiches. Big points!

I would love it if Sam came in a can. I think the only reason most craft/micro brews seems to be hoppy is that its the easiest way to separate themselves in the market place from mainstream beer. For instance, a micro brew pilsner is not as obviously different from mainstream beers to the average non connoisseur as a strong bitter or thick dark stout ect.I personally like a more balanced beer -not to bitter like a SA Larger. I think IPAs in general are more popular in the west because IPAs were invented for hot weather.

>>Biggies in Conifer. It's in the King Soopers shopping center in Aspen Park.

I almost always hit that plaza before a LCW (or beyond) trip if I am along the 285 corridor. Leave Friday after work, stop at Qdoba for a quick burrito and then hit Biggies for the post-hike beer in a cooler.

"I think IPAs in general are more popular in the west because IPAs were invented for hot weather"

part of it, i suppose. the other part is the w. coast style of IPA is done with hops that grow in the area. remember, Washington state is the worlds second largest hops producer. it's no wonder why w. coast styles usually have the three "C's" and simcoe, amarillo etc..

>> I think the only reason most craft/micro brews seems to be hoppy is that its the easiest way to separate themselves in the market place from mainstream beer.For instance, a micro brew pilsner is not as obviously different from mainstream beers to the average non connoisseur as a strong bitter or thick dark stout ect.

That, plus it's easier (relatively) to make a good ale than it is to make a good lager. I can think of maybe half a dozen breweries making lagers I like...easily quadruple+ that if we're talking IPAs and BWs.

Well, 120 ibu in a can will probably affect the flavor, what with the lining all dissolved and everything! Ha ha.

Personally, I haven't given much time to the can trend for craft beers because, although its great for light management, the aluminum can is otherwise a trainwreck for holding fine beer. The can does impart flavor, the sharp-edged mouth frustrates a good pour and beer that good deserves a pour rather than a can opener and a shotgun, ho ho. I'll stick with dark brown and deep green bottled beers for the good stuff and cheapass bears in the can for those times when it's appropriate.

Besides, when you're backpacking, nothing explodes on the rocks like a well-lobbed glass bottle.

"Personally, I haven't given much time to the can trend for craft beers because, although its great for light management, the aluminum can is otherwise a trainwreck for holding fine beer. The can does impart flavor, the sharp-edged mouth frustrates a good pour and beer that good deserves a pour rather than a can opener and a shotgun, ho ho. I'll stick with dark brown and deep green bottled beers for the good stuff and cheapass bears in the can for those times when it's appropriate."

That used to be the case but for quite a few years beer cans (at least micros) have been using a water based liner so the beer doesn't come in contact with metal. I don't know about not getting a good pour as it seems the same to me. I do pour cans and bottles into a glass when not in the backcountry but am more than happy to drink one out of the can when I am. To me it has nothing to do with cans vs bottles as I personally think that's no longer relevant. It's about drinking what you like and for me a lot of what I like comes in cans. And the weight savings is nice when you want to bring a couple along. Don't get me wrong, my beer fridge has more types of beers in bottles than it does in cans. But that's based on what the beers I like happen to come in, not because bottled beer is superior.

If you can get the Surly lineup, they make the best canned beers I've tried, but unfortunately, they aren't available in the VA/DC/MD/PA/NC/WV area that I hike in most of the time. We've got a lot of canned beer options, and I've tried most of them. The Oskar Blues varieties are still the winners in terms of what is readily available, but canned Guinness and Bodingtons aren't bad options, either, when Oskar Blues isn't available.

That said, I'm far more likely to pack in a tiny plastic bottle of an Irish cream or a sipping tequilla than I am to carry beer on the trail. For group trips, those tiny juice boxes of wine are pretty good options -- Target (in my area at least) carries a line of those wines that are above average. The Merlot, in particular, stands out.

Sorry ... didn't mean to thread drift. Back on topic, beer in cans: Surly if you can get it, Oskar Blues as a close runner up.

also Avery does well. and SanTan. not to discount 21st Amendment. in VA i had their "live free or die" IPA. oddly, not available in AZ and is brewed in S.F, CA.we CAN get Modus Hoperandi tho, one of the best.

cameron wrote "21A in a can is NOT brewed in California, it is a Midwest product trucked around the country"really!thats interesting. do you have a link or photo to share w/ me? im looking at 21A website and cannot find anything that would tell me it is not brewed in San Fransisco. i'll keep looking..still, i wish they'd come to town.

thanks! the hellor high watermelon looks good. i'd like to try it.UPDATE: i got a response from 21A (diana pierce) who confirmed that they brew at another brewery, using borrowed equipment. she likened it to coming to my house, and making her killer lasagna using my pans. ok, fair enough. their beer is still good.

I drank some of that Watermelon beer this summer rafting the Snake. It tastes like watermelon! Watermelon beer, yep. Good beer for what it is. Sorta like the Rogue "Bacon Maple Beer" made for Voodoo doughnut. My buddy is the merchandising guy for Voodoo and he got me one (you have to buy a case of 22s or something weird IIRC) It tastes like bacon maple beer- straight up. Its good for what it is, but its one of those beers you drink one and then go back to a 'normal' beer. John at the Rogue is a ridiculous brewmaster for being able to get those flavors so right. but like I said... weird as hell.

Anyway the Hellor High Watermelon is definitely drinkable and good for chillin in the sun on a raft fo sho.

right on. speaking of beer, a place here in Tempe was selling bombers Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary stout for $1. (yes, one dollar) and a buddy is going to get one to me. Thursday, another buddy is sharing 4 bombers of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout. ahh, a good week indeed. prosit!

I was on a private GCNP raft trip and someone brought bottles of Anchor Steam. WTF? Bottles?!? On a raft trip? But they were brown plastic bottles that looked just like brown glass bottles from 5 feet away.

Best beer name and slogan (which I noticed first while barhopping in Utah with one of Alaska's few micro-brewpub owners):

When we tasted wine to pick one for our wedding, we lined up 8masked bottles and collected people's opinions (our's counted the most). It was striking how different one's impressions could be going 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 versus 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. But I think we did small enough sips that everyone was still sober when we marked our ballots.

Oscar Blues has come out with an IPA, Deviant Dale's. It's excellent. 8% alcohol in a 16 oz can! I'd have preferred a 12 oz. But that's just me. BA calls it a DIPA but at 8% it seems in between an IPA and DIPA, which they already have with Gubna. Whatever they call it, I'll be calling for more.

I'm liking all the great beers that are becoming available in cans lately. Awesome development. I'm still waiting for my local neighborhood brewery to start canning some beer; that would be awesome!

Anyway, my brother manages the sushi restaurant up in Mammoth and he was telling me they are carrying or thinking about carrying some new Japanese brewery that offers a canned pale ale, IPA, and porter.

I can't recall the name of the brewery... guess I'll have to make the trek up there to do some testing so I can report back here. Darn...

Sierra Nevada in cans is like music to my ears. the can is the best beer package and i keep waiting for my local brewery to move to cans. they tell me the start up costs are insane and they just upgraded their bottling line.

Just saw that New Belgium has 2 new canned products, both 16 oz. Shift is a new lager that I haven't tasted. Ranger IPA is now available in cans as well as bottles. One of my least favorite IPAs but a lot of others do like it.

It's an embarrassment of riches in my local liquor store - so many breweries are moving to 12oz cans for their IPAs and other ales. However I can't for the life of me understand why the same sixpack costs up to $1.50 more in cans than in bottles (Avery!) I also question why it's cheaper to buy said local beer out of town - it's always cheaper up in the High Country than in Boulder.

I got to check out Deviant Dales a couple of weeks ago. Like most of Oskar Blues beers, I love the taste but it does horrible things to my digestive system.

There's so much competition in Colorado with different IPAs, one of my favourites seems to have stopped playing here. Can't get Dogfish Head 60 Minute for love nor money. Not that they offer any of their products in cans yet, to stay somewhat on topic.

Double or Imperial IPAs get up to 10% but the only one I know of in a can is Gubna. Which used to be my go to beer when carrying any. Unfortunately, Oscar Blues has turned it into a seasonal AND changed the recipe. I was finally able to get some a few weeks ago and it's not the same. Very disappointing. The good news is I don't have to explain to my wife why I spent $300 on 1 type of beer to stock up for the year. :)

Travis, you mentioned in another thread you said something about seeing pulk users always carrying a lot of stuff. Here's the reason:

Not sure if they come in cans or not, but some stouts range to 12%. Ha, so there :P IPA's.

But i don't drink to get drunk--actually i don't like being drunk. Slightly buzzed is more than enough for me, so really i don't care too much about ABV levels in actuality, and despite my mucho Celtic and familial alcoholic heritage, i'm a lightweight for sure.

The big cans like Deviant and Gubna from Oskar are hard to compete with because of their brute strength. But there are more important things....occasionally.

http://crazymountainbrewery.com/#

None of you colorado beer snobs mentioned CRAZY MOUNTAIN! Crazy Mountain makes an amazingly hoppy amber. Really refreshing, surprising flavor, and not so strong that i cant see straight after 3 rounds of disc golf and a 6 pack++

http://upslopebrewing.com/beer/

AND UPSLOPE BREWING! Highly recommend everything they make. All well balanced and strong in my experience. Even the lager is good in the morning lol. Also just a good lookin set of cans ;)

Well if ALL you want is hoppy then you are hardly the sort of beer snob i am referring to. I would still recommend Crazy Mountain amber though. It is refreshing and isn't so overwhelmingly hoppy that you cant tell its an amber. Just a solid springtime brew with character.

"Well if ALL you want is hoppy then you are hardly the sort of beer snob i am referring to."

I can't tell if that is meant as a slam or not, but no matter. I certainly don't consider myself a beer snob anyway. But I know what I like. And I like a variety of ales and lagers. However, when it comes to IPAs, hoppy is not all I want, but lack of hops is a non-starter for me. But hey, DYOB.